Consistency key as Storm look to continue run

The Southern Vermont Storm's Marcus Anderson catches a pass during practice on Thursday.

JACOB MENDEL - SPECIAL TO THE BANNER

The Southern Vermont Storm defense has only allowed 37 points in its four games, including a shutout last weekend.

JACOB MENDEL - SPECIAL TO THE BANNER

Posted
Thursday, August 10, 2017 9:54 pm

By Jacob Mendel, Special to the Banner

BENNINGTON — With only eight games in the season, mistakes are always magnified in the game of football. The Southern Vermont Storm, who are off to a 3-1 start, are focused on continuing their consistent play.

The Storm find themselves second in the conference at the moment and their success starts on the defensive side of the ball. Not only have they found their identity, they have been dominating opposing offenses, allowing only 18 points over four games.

"On defense our identity is our toughness," said head coach Guy Changa. "We go up against teams that look physically stronger, bigger, and faster. But because of all of the chemistry our defense has, they can matchup with anyone."

On the other side of the ball, the offense is still trying to find its groove. While they only scored seven points against the Ravens two weeks ago, last week, the offense found its rhythm.

Not only did the team score two rushing touchdowns, they found the end zone twice through the air.

"Offensively, we are still searching [for an identity]," Changa said. "We are a good running team, but we tend to get away from it once in awhile and we need to stop doing that. If we are balanced on offense, we can be awesome. We had one game get away from us, and as a coach that is what really sticks with me.

Changa has made it a key factor that the team stays loose. While the team is having success, falling asleep for one play of one game can change the direction of a season.

"I want us to play more relaxed so we can play our type of football," Changa said. "If the guys stick together, with the scheme, with each other, we will have success. I am seeing it with our team, I think [the game against the Ravens] was an anomaly. These guys are sticking together."

On Saturday the Storm host the Franklin County Greyhounds. They currently sit at 1-3 and average just under 10 points a game. While the team hasn't found much success early in the 2017 season, Changa knows the matchup will be tough.

"I think we have learned to never overlook any team," Changa said. "When we had to take that 3-hour drive back [from the Ravens game], I knew I never wanted to have that feeling again. I think our players feel that way too. We know their team is going to come with everything they

got because they don't want to have that feeling while having to drive home."

The matchup between the Storm and Greyhounds will take place on Saturday at MAU Middle School, with the kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.

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